Diagnosis

Treatment options

Non surgical

Radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Surgery

This may be recommended where there's nerve or spinal cord compression and limb weakness.

As much of the tumour as possible is removed to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The affected area is then restored and strengthened using special screws and rods.

"Rather than do an open procedure Mr Rai was able to stabilise the spine using advanced keyhole surgery."
Read case studies >

Case studies

Mr T, aged 54

Condition: Metastatic Tumour in spine

Treatment: Stabilisation of the spine using instrumentation

Mr Rai's notes

"The spine is a common place for cancers to spread. If the cancer destroys the vertebrae than this can cause pain, weakness and eventually paralysis. In selected cases an operation is required to stabilise the spine allowing the patient to mobilise in a pain free manner and than have chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

The adjacent MRI is that of a 54 year old man with metastatic tumour in his lumber vertebrae. Rather than do an open procedure Mr Rai was able to stabilise the spine using advanced keyhole surgery. This is done using very small incisions under x-ray control, with minimal damage to normal tissues, less than 50mls blood loss and therefore the patient is mobilised and discharged after 1-2 days compared to weeks using the traditional approach.

The x-rays shows the post op picture of the titanium screws holding the spine up right."